Excellent oral care for kids requires more than just brushing the teeth. Getting your kid on the right track of dental care early in life can give them a lifetime of healthy teeth. There are different oral needs and responsibilities at various stages of a kid's life. Taking care of basic things and making lifestyle changes will ensure your kids have healthier smiles. You can make The following oral health changes at home to teach your kids about dental hygiene.
1. Early dental checkups
Schedule your child's first dental checkup when they turn one year old. Since tooth decay can occur in the most minor teeth, starting preventive dental care is essential. The earlier a child begins to go for dental checkups, the more likely they can avoid dental problems. The Dentist In Greeneville looks for any signs of an oral issue and tells you the best steps to take care of your child's teeth. Early dental visits with a positive attitude will also prepare your child to be comfortable with the checkups.
2. Teach Good Habits
Brushing and flossing are crucial steps for healthy teeth. Use a soft cloth or toothbrush with water to clean your babies' gums when they don't have teeth. Teach them to brush twice a day when their teeth start to appear. Ask your dentist about flossing techniques when their teeth grow and touch each other. Try to talk to a dentist in Voorhees Township, NJ. They can help. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush twice a day. Using fluoride toothpaste makes the enamel strong and resists tooth decay.
Keep your kid from having food or drink after finishing their nighttime dental routine. If your child fusses about brushing and flossing, be patient with them. Brush with them till the age of 6. And take care of flossing till they are 10. Also, if it's too late at night, it might be tiring for them, and you would find it difficult to get their cooperation with brushing, flossing, and rinsing. So, don't wait till bedtime for their after-dinner dental care routine.
3. Avoid sweetened liquids
Tooth decay can occur in infants and toddlers, too. Though the milk teeth are temporary, they are essential. Prolonged exposure of teeth to sweetened liquids like juice and soda can cause tooth decay. It applies to breast milk as well. That's why daily gum and teeth cleaning is crucial. Do not allow your kid to go to bed with a sugary liquid, like a bottle of juice or milk. It will stick to their teeth, grow bacteria, and guarantee tooth decay. Water is The only fluid you can allow them to take to bed.
4. Quit pacifier by Age 2 or 3
Infants love their pacifiers, just like sucking their thumbs. They like to chew and suck on objects to ease the pain of teething. As parents, you must know that the long-term use of pacifiers affects the growth of teeth and mouth. According to AAPD, just like thumb sucking, pacifier overuse also affects the mouth and teeth development.
The overuse of pacifiers influences the alignment of teeth. Babies' jaws develop around the object held inside their mouth repetitively. Check with your dentist if your kid is using a pacifier. Parents must encourage them not to chew and suck on complex objects like ice, pencil, and candy, as they can break their teeth.
5. Sweet medicines
The medications given to children are primarily sweet-flavored. These medications can cause cavities when they stick to teeth. That's why children with asthma and heart-related problems have a higher chance of tooth decay. Antibiotics and certain medications can lead to fungal infections due to yeast overgrowth called oral thrush.
It commonly shows symptoms like curd-like creamy patches inside the mouth or on the tongue. In the case of tooth decay, your dentist might suggest filling and resin dental crowns. A resin crown protects the teeth at high risk of tooth decay or for a kid who cannot follow oral hygiene. If your child is under any long-term medication, consult your dentist to know how often he/she should brush their teeth.
Conclusion:
When you involve and introduce your kids early to the dental care routine, it becomes a part of their habit. They will understand the need to keep their teeth and gums healthy. The more knowledge they get, the more excited and empowered they become for their oral health. Take your kids to the dentist who knows how to do the dental checkup without being intimidating.
Most pediatric centers have toys, movies, and games to relax your kid. Talk to your dentist if your kid fears dentist needles or blood. They will tell you about sedation dentistry, a safe way to undergo any dental procedure by making you comfortable. Most importantly, follow the above steps, talk to the dentist, and they will gladly help you.
